The Electricity Retailers’ Association of New Zealand (ERANZ) is delighted to announce a new initiative called Access to Electricity.

ERANZ has partnered with the Sustainability Trust to deliver projects under Access to Electricity.

“Access to Electricity aligns with the aims of Sustainability Trust. Our focus is on practical solutions for people to have warm, dry homes — and a safe, reliable and affordable supply of electricity,” says Phil Squire, CE, Sustainability Trust.

Jenny Cameron, Chief Executive of ERANZ said “This work was started because we know the ability to have a warm, dry home is disproportionately harder for low-income households. We wanted to see if there was more we could do to work with partners to deliver better outcomes.

“Many factors influence the ability to have a warm, dry home, such as the quality of the home, the efficiency of heaters and other appliances, lack of understanding about electricity use, level of income, as well as the cost of electricity.

“We believe partnering with Sustainability Trust to deliver Access to Electricity will make a real difference in addressing those factors to help those most in need,” Cameron says.

Access to Electricity is the result of 12 months of work in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Development, EECA, Housing New Zealand, National Building Financial Capabilities Charitable Trust, University of Otago, lines companies, and power companies and other stakeholders, involving customers in a design-thinking process.

ERANZ has seconded Miranda Struthers from Sustainability Trust, as Access to Electricity Project Manager, starting end September 2018. Miranda will develop and deliver some ideas generated from the partnership.

“Miranda has a wealth of experience in helping people have warmer, drier homes. She has a very good understanding of how to help those most in need. We are really looking forward to her starting in the role,” says Cameron.

ENDS

About ERANZ

The Electricity Retailers Association of New Zealand was established in August 2015 to represent the electricity retail industry on important sector-wide issues such as delivering value to stakeholders and consumers, and supporting the continued development of an open, competitive, sustainable and effective electricity market for the benefit of New Zealanders.

About Sustainability Trust
Sustainability Trust is Wellington’s sustainable living expert. We offer advice, products and services to make homes, businesses and communities greener.
Find out more about us on www.sustaintrust.org.nz.